How to Start Homeschooling in Montana
Are you wondering how to homeschool in Montana? It’s a good idea to do your research first, as homeschool laws vary by state. Whether you’ve homeschooled before in another state, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in luck!
Montana is considered a “homeschool-friendly” state, which means that Montana homeschool laws are minimal. This allows parents to take advantage of the freedom and flexibility in home education.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at homeschooling laws in Montana, so you can start your homeschool career with all the information you need.
Homeschooling in Montana at a Glance
Montana – The Treasure State
| Required Age | 7-16, or until they complete 8th grade coursework |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | 11 subjects required |
| Time Requirements | 720 hours per year for grades 1-3; 1,080 hours per year for grades 4-12 |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | Parents must keep immunization records |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
At this time, Montana’s homeschool requirements do not outline any qualifications for parents who wish to homeschool.
Notice of Intent
Notify your local school district’s superintendent of your intent to homeschool. You must complete this annually. There is no mandated form, and this notification can be done in person, through a letter, or with a phone call (although we recommend having it in writing). The superintendent’s office can provide a form for you to make the process easier.
Attendance
Parents must instruct for 720 hours per school year for grades 1st-3rd and 1,080 hours per school year for grades 4th-12th. The state of Montana defines a school year as June 30-July 1 of the following year.
There is no specific way you need to take attendance, as long as it is recorded. The superintendent can request to verify attendance at any time, so it’s good to keep records on hand.
Homeschool Curriculum
In Montana, parents are required to provide an organized course of study that includes the same subjects taught in public schools. The subjects taught in Montana public schools are:
- Communication arts (reading, literature, writing, speaking and listening, and media literacy)
- Arts
- Health enhancement
- Library media
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Technology
- World languages
- Workplace competencies
- Career and vocational/technical education
For more information on individual subjects, you can view the Montana K-12 Content Standards available online.
Montana parents have the freedom to choose when it comes to their child’s curriculum, as long as it meets the above requirements!
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students don’t have to participate in standardized testing. However, students are still strongly encouraged to take college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT.
Record Keeping
Montana homeschool laws require parents to keep immunization and attendance records. Your local superintendent may request them at any time.
Keeping these items in a homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep them safe and organized. A homeschool portfolio can also include work samples and test scores. To learn more about portfolios and homeschool record keeping, click here!
Transcripts
College-bound homeschool students are very likely to need a highschool transcript during the application process. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Montana, parents get to decide when their child is ready to graduate high school. Some homeschool parents rely on the Montana Educational Standards to ensure their child is prepared to graduate. Parents should plan on providing their own diploma.
If your student would like a more formal, traditional diploma, they can take the HiSET exam. The diploma granted by this exam is recognized by the State of Montana, including most employers and colleges, as a high school diploma equivalency.
There are also graduation ceremonies your student may be able to participate in, depending on where you live. To find out more about them, visit the Montana Coalition of Home Educators’ FAQ page.
Financial Resources
At this time, there are no financial resources available for homeschooling families.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Montana, check out:
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Montana homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I legally homeschool in Montana?
To legally homeschool in Montana, you need to notify your local superintendent, teach all required subjects, keep proper records, and teach for the required instruction time.
Is Montana a homeschool-friendly state?
Montana is considered a “homeschool-friendly” state due to its lenient homeschooling laws.
What is a letter of intent to homeschool in Montana?
A letter of intent is a document sent to the superintendent of your local school district, stating your intention to homeschool your child. The notice should include your child’s name, birthdate, grade level, address of the homeschool, and the instructor’s (or your) contact information.
Information accurate as of: 07/11/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.